Spring latch



Nov. 19, 1940.

J. VISSER SPRING LATCH Filed July 11, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 J. VISSER Nov. 19, 1940.

SPRING LATCH Filed July 11,- 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 lmllh.

mz Em UP (/OHN l lass Patented fiov. 19, 1940 John visser, Grand Rapids, Mich assign'o r, y if mesne assignments, to Reconstruction Finance Corporation, Detroit,

the United States Mich "a corporation 'g Application July 11, 1938, s ial No. 218,539

9 Claims. "(01. 131%256) This invention relates .to a spring. latch and more particularly to a combination spring latch and snufier for cigarettes and cigars. Y

The subject matter ofone. embodiment of-my invention has been dividedfrom my copending application Serial "No;913,690, filed March 29, 1935, and the subject matteri'of the second embodiment of my'invention has been. divided from my copending application Serial No, 14,619, filed April 4, 1935, whichmatured into Patents No. 2,159,061 and No. 2,159,062, respectively, on May 23,1939. The instant application is a continue ation-in-part of each of the above-named copending applications. Y 1 I An object of this invention-isto provide an improved-simple, and novel spring latch adapted for retaining an object ina given position, such, for example, as retaining an ash receptacle in a position accessible for use.

Another object of this invention. is to combine the advantages of a spring latch'and a snu'ifer in a single article so as to simplify the same, .as well as lower the cost of manufacture.

In accordance with the general features of this invention there. is provided a spring latchcomprising a metallic strip. having two .angularly arranged legs connected by a flexible intermediate portion, one leg being formed for attachment to an object to be latched. andthe other extending forwardly therefrom andbeing formed into an accessiblefree finger engageable 'portion for manually flexing the intermediate, portion; the latter portion having a latching shoulder adapted to be flexed out of latching engagement upon manual pressure being applied to the free portion- Another feature of the invention relates to the provision of a single article of manufacturepomprising a combination spring latch and cigarette snuffer which includes a strip of metal having an attachingportion, an intermediatelatching portion, and a free portionformed into a'snufier for cigarettes, cigars, and the like. I

Other objects and-features of this invention will more fully appear from the accompanying description taken in connection .with the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is aperspective view of the embodiment of my spring latch taken from my abo ve referred to copending application Serial No. 13,690;

Figure 2 is a sided-view of an automobile ash receptacle to which my novel spring latch is shown applied and in which the ash receptacle is shown applied to a supporting panel, the view inFigure 5. r j As shown on'the drawings: 1

being-partly broken av'vay,partlyv in section, and showing 'infull lines the position, of .the .ash receptaclewhen it is, iI 1 -1atched-0r open position and showing in dotted lines the position of the ashv receptacle when it is in a partially closed position; g 3 I Figure 3 is a'plan view of the structure shown inFigure 2. with thesupportingpanel shown in s ti n; p

Figure 4 -is a horizontal cross sectional view taken'on substantiallythe line IV-IV of Figure 2 and showing the ashireceptacle..in..its closed position; N V Figure 5 is a-vertical-sectional view through a modified form of spring latch and ash receptacle assembly, the subject matter of this embodiment of the invention; having been divided ,fr omum y copending; application-Serial No. 14,619; the spring-latch and ash receptacle being shown in section ina closed position, the dotted line position showing the position of thespring latch when it is in latched position for retaining the receptacle in an open and accessible positions Figure 6 is a fragmentaryplan view partially in section looking downwardly on ,the .spring latch and showing the position of the same when the ash receptacle in open position; and,

c Figure 'lisa rear view of the structure shown The reference character l0 designates, generally oneembodiment'of my invention or, in other words,'one form of mynovel springlatch which is illustrated in perspective in Figure 1. While I have'in Figures 2.3,. and 4 illustrated this novel spring latch in ash receptacleappiication of the same, it.-. is, of course, to be appreciated that it is fully contemplated that this spring latch may be used equally well vinother applications.

This latch includes a pair of angular portions H and I2 which are disposed in planes at an angle closely approximating a. right angle. These two portions H and I2 have at their junction an intermediate or connecting portion which is adapted to be flexed upon the. depression of the portion l2 as will be more fully described hereinaften. v v

The portion or leg ll comprises-the attaching portion of the spring and may be suitably secured to an object such as an ash receptacle to be latched in position by any "convenient means, such, for example, as soldering, welding, riveting,.or the like. It will .be perceived from the illustration in Figure 2 that this attaching portion II is secured to the rear. side or back of an ash receptacle or box designated generally by the reference character 20.

The intermediate or junction portion i3, as will also be noted from Figures 1 and 2, includes a rearwardly offset section ll disposed at substantially right angles to the attaching portion H. From this offset section II the balance of the intermediate portion II is curved forwardly to a rib-like section or hump i5 disposed directly between the forwardly extending leg or portion l2 and the intermediate portion i3. At this time it should be noted that the: portion l2 constitutes a finger engaging portion which is adapted to be manually depressed downwardly in a direction toward leg or portion I i for the purpose of flexing the intermediate portion I! so as to flex the spring latch to a non-latching position. In this embodiment of the invention the portion I2 is formed relatively straight and smooth and embodies one of the principal differences between this form of the invention and the embodiment to be hereinafter described in connection with Figures 5, 6, and 7. An important feature of this form of the invention is manner in which the intermediate portion ii of the latch I8 is offset to the back of the plane of the back of the receptacle 20 and of the attaching portion H of the latch. This permits the hump i5 to be located approximately in the plane of the back of the receptacle to permit the entire top of the receptacle to be swung out where it is accessible and at the same time permits the rib-like section l5 to be readily sprung down when desired.

In order to provide the rib or hump I! of the intermediate portion IS with a-latching shoulder, the hump l5, as-it will be perceived from Figures 1 and 2, is slotted or apertured at It thus providing a latching shoulder l1. This shoulder is adapted to be brought into register or engagement with a stop or detent, such as the detent l8 shown in Figure 2, on an object or support for the purpose of enabling the article or ash receptacle 20 to be latched in a given position which in this case is in an open position accessible for use, as is clearly shown in Figure 2 in full lines. It may be noted that the aperture i6 is located on one side of the hump l5, so that one edge ll of the aperture [6 will engage the detent i8 and the opposite edge of the aperture l6 will pass freely under it. This construction provides a positive, releasable stop against outward movement of the receptacle 20 without providing a similar stop against inward movement thereof.

I shall now proceed to describe more in detail one application or use of this spring latch III which is illustrated in Figures 2, 3, and 4.

It will be perceived that the ash receptacle or box 20 is of the tilt or pivotal type and is adapted to be swung into and out of an opening or aperture 2! in a suitable support which in this instance is illustrated as being in the form of a panel, which for example may be the instrument panel. of an automobile, and is designated by the reference numeral 22.

The ash receptacle 20 is of an irregular configuration although generally it may be considered as being in this instance of substantially a rectangular form, with the exception of its top edges which are curved as indicated at 23. The outer or front side of the box or ash receptacle 20 is provided with an ornamental plate 23' of a larger size than the opening 2i so as to conceal the 'same whenthe box is in a shut or closed position and provided with a handle 24 for swinging the ash box into its various positions. In Figure 2 the ash receptacle is illustrated in full lines in 7 its open position and in dotted lines in a partially closed position.

The ash receptacle is provided on its lower or bottom side with a pair of spaced plates 25-25 which may be connected by an integral intermediate portion 26 suitably secured as by welding, soldering, or the like to the bottom of the ash box 20. The purpose of these two plates 25 (Figures 2 and 3) is to provide the under side of the box with curved bearing surfaces 21 adapted to rest against the lower edge of the opening 22 and to slide thereover as the ash receptacle is swung into its various positions. Thus it will be appreciated that the ash receptacle is bodily swingable over an arcuate path into and out of the opening 2| in the support or panel 22.

In order to accommodate and properly support the ash seceptacle, the panel 22 is provided with a rearwardly extending curved frame member 28 which it will be perceived from Figure 2 has a curvature corresponding generally with that ofthe curved top edges 23 of the ash box. This member 28, in addition to serving as a frame member, also constitutes a cover or closure for the top of the ash box when the box is in a closed position. Moreover, this member may be suitably attached to the panel 22 as by bolting, riveting, welding, or the like so that in reality it constitutes an integral component of the panel 22 as distinguished from being a part of the ash receptacle or box 20. In addition thereto, it should be noted that the detent I8 is struck from this .member 28 and extends downwardly into the path of the rib l5 of the spring latch 20 prior to the'flexure of that spring latch, so that this detent can contactthe shoulder I! to thus limit the outward displacement of the ash box or, in other words, retain the ash box in the open position shown in Figure 2.

During the time that the spring latch 20 is underneath the cover plate or member 28, as illustrated by dotted lines in Figure 2, the rib l5 of the intermediate portion [3 of spring latch. l bears against and has a sliding contact witl! the under side of the cover member 28. If it is so desired, this member 28 may be ribbed on its under side as indicated at 29-29 in Figures 2 and 3. These ribs provide surfaces against which the rib section l of the spring latch may bear and slide on, and reduce the amount of friction between the cover plate and the box so as to make it easier to move the ash box into its various positions.

It will further be appreciated that in order to release the spring latch from its latching position all that is necessary is for the operator to press his finger against the finger portion l2 Which is accessible through the top or open side of the box 20. Obviously, upon a downward movement of this portion l2; the intermediate portion l3 ofthe spring latch I0 is flexed so that the shoulder l'l thereof may be brought out of engagement with the stop or detent l8. Thereafter the ash receptacle or box 20 may be completely removed from the supporting panel 22 to enabl the emptying of the box or the like.

In inserting the box in the supporting panel, the curved plates 25 on the bottom side are inserted through the opening 2! in the panel 22 and are brought into engagement with the lower edge of the opening. Thereafter the box is swung inwardly so that the spring latch I0 is snapped past the detent or stop l8. It will, of course, be appreciated that once the spring latch viously described spring latch I0.

is in a position wherein its rib I5 has'sliding engagement with the under surfaceof the; cover member 28, the spring latch is also efiective' to resiliently urge the box downwardlyinto cooperation with" the lower edge of the opening in thepanel 22. This insures a snugfit of the box in the support and enables it to be maintained in use under tension and against rattling.

In the embodiment of my'invention illustrated in Figures 5, (igand 7, the spring latch designated generally by the reference character IIO corresponds generally with the spring latch" I0, although difi 'ering in two respects from the spring latch I0. Y In the first place, it differs from the spring latch 'I0 in that it does not "include an offset corresponding to portion I4 of spring latch I0." More important, however, it"differs from spring latch I0 in that it has its finger engag ing or forward portion I I2 depressed intoacuplike shape and apertured at'l I 2', as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, so as to provide this portion of the spring latch with a cigarette or cigar snufler. That is tos'ay, this portion of the'latch-is adapted to be used in the putting out oi the lit end of a cigarette or cigar which maybe accomplished by merely pressing the lit end" into the depression of the portion II2'and rubbingit against the aperturedcentral part I I2 of this portion.

In the spring latch IIO, the portions I I I, H2, H3, and: H5, and the slot lid-and shoulder III correspond general1y,as well as in function, with the similarly numbered components of the pre The angular portion III is secured to the rear side of a tiltable ash box I20 movable into and out of opening I2I in the supporting panel I22. The ash box I20 has an outer omamental plate I23 of a larger size than the opening I2 I so as to conceal the same when the box is in closed position and is also provided with a handle I24 for swinging the box into its various positions. 1

In this form of ash box I20, while the upper edges I23 are curved similar to the curved edges 23 of the previously described box 20, these edges I23, however, are spaced from theunderjside of the cover member I28 secured to the supporting panel I22 (Figure '5). Also, it will be perceived that the cover member I28, as is evident from Figures 5, 6, and 7, is of an angular configuration with its opposite legs suitably secured as by means of bolts or the like to the supporting panel I22. The under side 01' this supporting or cover member I28 is provided with an undertumed integral spring member I 2 8' of curved configuration and adapted to be yieldably engaged by the ribbed or curved portion II5 ofthe intermediate section II3 of the spring latch IIO. Also, it should be noted that this spring plate or element I28 (Figure 5) is provided at an intermediate point with a hump or rib I30 over which the intermediate portion II 3 01' the spring latch H0 is adapted to ride so that when the ash box is in its closed position the edge II! of the spring latch III is behind and in engagement with the hump I30. This feature enables the spring element I28 to cooperate with the spring latch H0 in yieldably retaining the ash receptacle in a shut position.

The lower or bottom side of. the ash box I20 is also of a slightly diiferent configuration than that of the box 20 and has a slightly diflerent mounting than the box 20.

The under side of the box I20 is provided with a pair of spaced supporting legs I25-I2i connectedbya pin I28 supported ina bearing member m. This bearing member 12115 secured to the panel I 22 adjacent the' opening I2I and is of U-shape' formation. The base of this bearing member I21, as. indicated at I33 in Figure 7, is suitably'secured as by means of. rivets to the supporting panel "I22, and v each' of the spaced legs I 34 of this bearing member are'slotted, as

- indicated at I35 inFigure 5, so as to accommodate the pin.'I28 connected "to'the bottom of the box I 20. This arrangement enables' the pin to turn in the" slotted legs" I34 -"I 3d, and also permits oi the'complete removalfof thejpin-from the slotted legs when it is desired to'removefthe' ash receptacle from its mounting and out ofthe s pporting panel. The operation of this form or the invention, however, is substantially the same as that 01' the previouslyidesoribed embodiment.

I am aware that many changes may be made and numerous details of construction may be varied through a wide rangejwithoutdeparting from'the principles of this invention, and I, therefore, do not purpose limitingthe patentgrante'd hereon otherwise than necessitated art.

.I claim as my invention:

1. A spring latch comprising a'metallic strip having two angularlyarranged legs connected by a flexible intermediate portion, one leg being substantially flat and formed for attachment to an object to be latched and the other extending forwardly ofthe plane of said first leg and being and the other extending forwardly therefrom and being formed into an accessible tree finger .engageable portion for manually fiexing the intermediate portion, said intermediate portion having a latching shoulder adapted to be flexed out of latching engagement upon manual pressure being applied to said free portion, said free finger portion having at least one aperture therein smaller than the end of a cigarette and thereby being adapted for use as a snufi'er for cigarettes and the like.

3. As an article of manufacture, a combination spring latch and cigarette snufler compris ing a strip of metal including an attaching portion, an intermediate latching portion, and an end portion having at least one hole therein smaller than the end of a cigarette and thereby being adapted for use as a snuifer for cigarettes and the like. x

4. A spring latch comprising a strip of' sheet metal of uniform thickness and having two angularly arranged legs connected at their closest ends by a flexible intermediate portion, oneleg being formed for attachment to an object to be latched and the other leg extending forwardly therefrom to form an accessible finger engaging portion for manually flexing the intermediate portion, an oflset at one end of said intermediate portion forming a shoulder adapted to be flexed out of a latching engagement upon manually b the rior flexing said free portion, and a bearing surface on said intermediate portion adapted to slidably engage anadjacent surface when not in, latched engagement, said intermediate portion applying yieldable pressure againstsaid adjacent surface when in slidable contact therewith.

5. A spring latch for a member adapted to arcuately swing about an axis to open and closed positions relative to a cover therefor comprising a strip of sheet metal of uniform thickness and having two angularlyarranged legs connected at their closest ends by a flexible intermediate portion, one leg being formed for attachment to the swingable member and the other leg extending forwardly-therefrom to form an accessible finger engaging portion for manually flexing the intermediate portion, anoifset at one end of said intermediate portion adapted to be latched with said cover when the swingable member is rotated to an open position and to be fiexed out of a latching engagement when the swingable member is rotated to a closing position, said intermediate portion slidably engaging the cover for applying yieldable pressure thereagainst in any position.

6. In a receptacle structure comprising a panel having an aperture, a receptacle mounted to swing through said aperture,and a cover plate fixed to and projecting back from said panel from above saidaperture and having a narrow rearwai'dly facing abutment on the underside near the plane of said panel, a strip of resilient metal fixed at one end to the back of said receptacle and having a forwardly facing abutment near theother end, said abutment on said strip being approximately in the plane of the back of said receptacle and being adapted to engage the abutment on said cover plate, and the portion of said strip between the abutment thereon and'the fixed end thereof being curved back a substantial distance away from the plane of said back.

7. In a receptacle structure comprising a panel having an aperture, a receptacle mounted for movement through said aperture, and a cover plate fixed to and projecting back from saidpanel from above said aperture and having a rearwardly facing abutment on the underside, a strip of resilient metal fixed at one end to the back of said receptacle and projecting forward under said cover plate, said strip of metal having a portion near the other end sloping forward and down at an angle to said cover plate and havingvan aperture therein, the rear edge of said aperture being close enough to said cover plate to engage the movement through said aperture, and a cover plate fixed to and projecting back fromsaid pane1 from above said aperture and having a rearwardly facing abutment on the underside, a strip of resilient metal fixed at one end to the backof. said receptacle and having a forwardly facing abutment near the other end, said abutment on said strip being adapted to engage the abutment on said coverplate, and said other end of said strip being offset downwardly far enough to pass freely under the abutment on said cover plate and having at least one hole therein smaller than the end of a cigarette and-thereby being adapted for use as a snufler for cigarettes and the like.

9. In a receptacle structure comprising a panel having an aperture, a receptacle mounted for movement through said aperture, and a cover plate fixed 'to and projecting back from said panel from above said aperture and having a narrow rearwardly facing abutment on the underside, a strip of resilient metal wider than said abutment and comprising an end portion fixed to said receptacle and a flexible portion extending under said cover, said flexible portion including an upwardly projecting rounded hump bearing slidably against said cover and having an aperture in line with and wider than said abutment, one side of said aperture being near the top of said hump and the other side being spaced downfrom said top whereby said abutment will abut firmly against one side of said aperture and will clear the other side of said aperture'and thus form a positive stop against movement of said receptacle in one direction past a predetermined position while offering no resistance to movement away from said position in the opposite direction.

JOHN VISSER. 

